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Polarcus vision is to be a pioneer in an industry where the frontiers of seismic exploration are responsibly expanded without harm to our world.

Fourth quarter 2010 report – strengthening capacity and position

by polarcus
on 16-Feb-11 07:28

Polarcus Limited (OAX: PLCS) is pleased to announce the release of its fourth quarter and preliminary year end 2010 unaudited financial statements.

With three vessels in operation in the fourth quarter, margins improved further compared to previous quarters. Economy of scale, solid operational performance and good utilization contributed to the positive development. New financing of USD 200 million was also successfully secured to enable the reacquisition and completion of POLARCUS ALIMA, scheduled for delivery in March 2011. Furthermore, Polarcus signed shipbuilding contracts for two new ultramodern 12-14 streamers seismic vessels for delivery in the first half of 2012. Following these latest newbuild orders, the Polarcus seismic fleet will comprise seven high-end 3D vessels.

Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus, commented: "We have continued to see robust growth in the fourth quarter, both of the high-end 3D seismic market in general, as well as our own internal development. This is epitomized by the successful deployment and execution of a significant 2,000 sq. km 3D survey for Rosneft, acquired by POLARCUS ASIMA deploying the Company's first-ever 12 streamer spread. This milestone achievement was furthermore accomplished after her direct mobilization from the shipyard to the Black Sea, enabling her to bring immediate value to the fleet and to the Company's financial performance".

Highlights in the fourth quarter 2010:

Revenues of USD 56.3 million and EBITDA of USD 21.2 million, with three vessels in operation. Positive Net Cash Flow from operating activities.

Robust backlog growth through the quarter as high-end operational capabilities were proven, with six separate Letters of Intent received for 3D contract services, including a strategically important 4D seismic acquisition ‘monitor' survey and undershoot for Eni, offshore Nigeria.

Successfully completed new financing of USD 200 million to enable the reacquisition and completion of the 12 streamer 3D seismic vessel POLARCUS ALIMA, scheduled for delivery from the shipyard in Q1 2011. The new financing comprised a USD 65 million equity issue and a USD 80 million 5 year bond issue, both of which were significantly oversubscribed, and a USD 55 million loan facility.

Signed shipbuilding contracts for two additional high-end 12-14 streamer Ice Class 3D seismic vessels from Ulstein Verft AS of Norway, on highly favorable terms. The Company successfully secured USD 65 million through a related equity issue to partly finance the newbuilds, scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2012.

Expanded Company footprint in Asia-Pacific with the signing of an exclusive multi-client cooperation agreement with Searcher Seismic of Australia, to jointly develop and license marine 3D multi-client acquisition projects across Australia and Indonesia. The agreement complements the existing cooperation agreement with GeoPartners covering northwest Europe and Africa. Simultaneously opened a new regional marketing office in Singapore specifically to develop new business opportunities within the Asia-Pacific region.

Polarcus is a pure play marine geophysical company with a pioneering environmental agenda, specializing in high-end towed streamer data acquisition from Pole to Pole. Polarcus is launching a fleet of modern 3D seismic vessels using the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design and incorporating advanced maritime technologies for improved operational efficiency with a reduced environmental footprint. Polarcus offers contract seismic surveys and multi client projects worldwide and has its principal office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit www.polarcus.com

Disclaimer

The information included herein may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements expressing or implying the Company's intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things, forecasts, estimates, and predictions. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties and are dependent on assumptions, information, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, developments in the oil and gas industry, the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from the Company's multi-client library, currency risks, political risks, regulatory risks, and unexpected operational setbacks. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our 2009 Annual Report. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above concerning the current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information given above is at the risk of the reader, and Polarcus disclaims any and all liability in this respect.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)